News

MP Andy Slaughter introduces Bill to extend FOI

The Labour MP Andy Slaughter has introduced a Private Member's Bill to extend the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.

As reported previously by the News Media Association, the Freedom of Information (Extension) Bill, would bring providers of social housing, local safeguarding children boards, Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers and the Housing Ombudsman under the FOI Act.

It would also ensure that information held by contractors providing public services is available under FOI.

The Bill had its first reading on Wednesday 19 July. The Campaign for Freedom of Information, which helped to draft the Bill, noted that as Mr Slaughter came seventeenth in the ballot for private members' bills, the bill may not be allocated enough time to progress. T

he Campaign added however the government has indicated that there will be additional days for private members' bill due to the extended parliamentary session.